Community members kicked off the new South End Neighborhood Watch Tuesday at the Six Blocks meeting at the Howe Library, with Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Common Council member Vivian Kornegay and Albany Police Chief Steven Krokoff as guests.
Mayor Sheehan reiterated her commitment to making Albany a great place to live, with safe neighborhoods throughout the city. Chief Krokoff complemented the new Neighborhood Watch leaders on their commitment, talked about how the watch program works with the Albany Police Department and led a lively question and answer session.At last count, more than 15 people has signed on as Watch Leaders, and they are being equipped with information cards and training, as well as support as needed to make sure they can stay in touch.
This program started in the Six Blocks area around South Pearl and Broad Streets, but is spreading to many other blocks in the South End. Watch leaders will meet regularly and will be able to pass information on to the police and also to other city departments, or work through our two “beat cops".
Officer Ben Sturges, our longtime community engagement officer, is the person to contact if you want to see Neighborhood Watch on your street. You can reach him at (518) 542-1311, or bsturges@albany-ny.org.
